United . “ This transaction enhances our existing presence in the D . C . Metro MSA and takes us into new markets , including Baltimore , Annapolis , Lynchburg , Richmond and the northern neck of Virginia . It also strategically connects our mid-Atlantic and southeast footprints .”
The merger agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021 .
West Virginia State University Extension Agent Hopes to Bolster Tourism in Upper Kanawha Valley
West Virginia State University ( WVSU ) Extension Agent Allison Smith has big plans for the Upper Kanawha Valley . The newly appointed agent for community and economic development is passionate about tourism and excited to make progress in regional development .
“ The Upper Kanawha Valley is an untapped region of West Virginia ,” says Smith , whose office is located in the town of Smithers . “ We experience a tourism and marketing gap between Charleston and the New River Gorge because people don ’ t know what the area has to offer in terms of restaurants , lodging and recreational opportunities . The Upper Kanawha Valley has so much momentum at this point in time . I hope to sustain and build from the energy and sense of connection in the area .”
Smith will be implementing grant projects and plugging into ventures that will build the infrastructure needed to support recreation in the towns of Montgomery and Smithers , such as recreational trails and open spaces , which have proved to be popular in other areas .
After starting her position in June , Smith began meeting with local stakeholders , from nonprofit leaders and vendors to business owners and city officials , including the mayors of Montgomery and Smithers .
“ We are more than grateful to WVSU for partnering with us to fill a critical need : economic and community leadership in our region ,” says Smithers Mayor Anne Cavalier . “ Allison has already taken the pulse of our one community , two cities . She ’ s gotten to know us and our most promising paths forward in tourism , and she has engaged current and new partners . Mayor Greg Ingram and I have formed a bond to rebuild the area , to bring hope to residents and businesses , and Allison has seamlessly joined that bond . We could not be more pleased to have her on the team .”
Smith is exploring a variety of plans for the area , including constructing a fishing pier , rail trail , riverfront park and open-air stage .
Patton Building Services Opens New Offices
While the COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed the economy across the nation , Patton Building Services has seen an uptick in business . Patton provides both janitorial and maintenance
services to help its clients provide clean , sanitized facilities . To meet the addition of new clients , Patton Building Services has opened two new offices strategically located in Bridgeport , WV , and Boardman , Ohio . Patton now has eight offices in four states .
Along with the service expansions and an increase in employees to meet customer demand , Patton has created a new business development department . Stephen Patton and Mary Lough are excited to help Patton Building Services develop and enlarge the company ’ s clientele base . Listening to the needs of potential clients and working to provide the appropriate resources is paramount to ensuring their customers feel comfortable in a world with COVID-19 .
The commercial cleaning industry is expected to grow at a rate of 4.3 % by 2022 , and there has been an increase in outsourcing of cleaning tasks for businesses by 31 % percent . By outsourcing to companies such as Patton Building Services , businesses can provide a facility that offers a clean environment for both employees and customers .
Kassar Joins Wilson Martino Dental
Dr . Robert Martino , CEO of Wilson Martino Dental , is proud to introduce Dr . Hebah Kassar , who joins the practices located in Morgantown and Fairmont .
Kassar completed her undergraduate work at West Virginia University ( WVU ) and is a graduate of the WVU School of Dentistry . Throughout her schooling , she participated in many outreach programs and held volunteer positions where she was awarded several honors , including the WVU School of Dentistry ’ s Certificate of Academic Honor , AAP Award of Outstanding Achievement in Periodontics and the Dental Science Award .
“ I am proud to have Dr . Kassar on our team ; she truly cares about her patients ’ comfort and oral health and works hard to develop meaningful relationships with each patient in her care . She will treat your family like her family ,” says Martino . •
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